North American P-51B Mustang 363rd Fighter Squadron 1944, 1:48 Scale Diecast Model

• Air Power Series
• Realistic collectible model
• Diecast & plastic parts
• Highly detailed, moveable components.
• Display stand included.
• Measures 8” L x 9.25” Wingspan
• Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors, 14 years and above.

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in 1940 by North American Aviation. First flight of the Mustang was on October 26th 1940 and introduced into service in January 1942. The official last year of service was 1984 with the Dominican Air Force. Over 15,000 Mustangs were produced.

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin. The high shape of the P-51B/C dorsal spine gave it the name “Razorback”.

Mustang FB 382 with PK-G markings was the personal aircraft of the 315 Squadron Eugeniusz “Dziubek” Horbaczewski. On February 15, 1944 he took command of the Polish No. 315 Squadron. On August 18, 1944 Horbaczewski led 12 aircraft over France at an airfield near Beauvais they encountered a large formation of Fw-190s. The 315 Squadron attacked the Germans with Horbaczewski quickly shooting down 3 aircraft. However, sometime during the melee he went missing and in 1947 his aircraft and body were found. He is credited with 16.5 kills and downing 4 V-1s.

P-51B Mustang 43-24283 c/n 102-24700 originally was assigned to Bud Anderson as “old Crow”. When Bud moved on the aircraft was assigned to Lt. Bill Overstreet also from the 357th FG. Overstreet had the new name “Berlin Express” painted on the left side of the engine cowling and a winged Mustang on the right side. One thing Bill was known for was flying aircraft under special structures. He once flew under the Golden Gate Bridge and most famously pursuing a German aircraft under the Eiffel Tower and shooting it down.

This Hobby Master model is a replica of P-51B Mustang (Bureau Number 43-24283) “Berlin Express” flown by Lt Bill Overstreet from the 363^rd Fighter Squadron, 357^th Fighter Group based at RAF Leiston, England 1944.